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The Oblivion Particle = 2 LP, Black = (LP)
Though Spock's Beard have done away with the multi-part epics they're famous for, "A Better Way To Fly" and "To Be Free Again" are for those listeners that itch for ten-minute campaigns. Neither are really groundbreaking, but both are solid. The former includes some calming Ghost-like background organs, and a full-band vocal performance at the 7:00 mark, while the laid-back attitude of "To Be Free Again" could lull you to sleep and close this album perfectly. Instead, closer "Disappear" begins like Skynyrd's "Free Bird" and casually moves along through an odd barbershop-esque arrangement near the 4:00 mark before finally ending. Sadly, I'm not a fan of this one due to the location on the album, and elsewhere, the off-putting chorus and lyrics of "Minion" are an issue.
Overall, this a really fun album that requires a few spins to penetrate. The production is top-notch, the instruments are evenly balanced, the performances are stellar, Leonard's vocals are highly enjoyable (and so are Keegan's as he takes the lead on "Bennett Built a Time Machine"), and the songwriting is concise and focused. And if that's not enough to get you to click on the embedded track, look at that fucking artwork!
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Similar artists: ADVENTURE, GPS, ACUITY, AMARAN'S PLIGHT, MALIBRAN, OSIRIS, RYO OKUMOTO, AETHERBORN, DECKCHAIR POETS, PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS, MORSE / PORTNOY / GEORGE
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